Mindy Kaling Opens Up on the ‘Fun’ of Her First Pregnancy

Months after her initial pregnancy announcement, Mindy Kaling has finally offered up more information on her baby-to-be. In a sneak peek of NBC's Sunday Today with Willie Geist, the expecting mother shared her excitement and dreams of parenthood.

For once, the all-powerful director, actress and comedian is no longer in control, and she likes the change.

"It’s so unknown to me," Kaling said. "I have a lot of control over a lot of aspects of my life, and this is one where I’m like, ‘OK, it’s out of my hands,’ which is kind of a fun feeling."

Kaling has high hopes for the fun and challenge that will be parenthood. A bonus perk: the freedom to criticize other parents, finally. (Because the ultimate satisfaction is knowing you're at least not screwing up your child as much as that parent over there.)

"It's so easy to criticize parenting until you're a parent, so one of the nice things about becoming a parent is that I'll be able to openly criticize other parenting, because I'll have a child," Kaling said.

Still, she misses the one role model who's no longer around — her mother. After passing away from pancreatic cancer in 2012, Kaling was left without the woman who had for so long been a strong figure in her life.

“My mom was incredibly fierce and so devoted to us, just loved us and really wanted us to be happy no matter what we did,” Kaling said. “My career choice was not something that she was familiar with and she was just so supportive of that. And if I could give that to my child, just that open-mindedness, I’d be so happy.”

Goodness knows we could use a little open-mindedness — good luck, Mindy. We'll be rooting for you.

The full interview will air on NBC on Sunday, Sept. 10.

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